I have to redo my vacuum lines on my 87 Renix Cherokee. I have quite a few cracked, broken and worn out vacuum lines in the system. I'm wondering whether or not it would be a viable and well functioning option to replace the majority of the small lines (for example: the size of the lines coming off of the pressure bottle in the bumper) with hose instead of the politically correct OEM vacuum lines. What do you guys think? I want the engine to be setup correctly and run properly of course. One of the potential perks I am thinking of is avoiding the possibility of not being able to find the OEM vacuum lines for a my 24 year old Jeep.

 

all auto parts stores sell vacuum lines that will work

 

as in: cut to fit custom length?

 

Yes. That's what he meant.

 

Not sure about your application but for what it is worth, I have used small rubber hoses for things like the cruise control to replace the plastic ones that were originally installed. They have worked fine for 5 years now.

 

Are you referring to the lines that connect to the pressure bottle behind the front bumper?

 

I had no idea that auto parts stores sold vacuum lines like that. Thanks freegdr.

 

No, it was from the control servo to the rear of the engine compartment. I do not know if the pressures are the same.

 

Howdy bikerider,

that bottle you mentioned is the "reserve air vacuum canister" for the crusie control servo.

most hoses you can get at auto parts store are ok to use, they wont collapse on you like a aquarium type hose would.

I had to replace mine as it cracked everywhere along the path from the intake manifold to the cruise control servo. i just bought about 10 feet of a small diameter hose and I cut to fit myself. Had some spare left over so I used it at other areas which had the original Plastic tubing. not too hard to do.

but,,,,,,,,, I did have to use zip ties on the ends where they attached at the mainfold nipple and the servo nipple connections. works fine, no leak-eee!!!!!

good luck

cpnwrench

 

The rubber hose works fine had it for over a yr no vac probs so far

 

Great, thanks guys that's good news. I guess I'll add that to the list when I head to autozone.

 

Another trick I use for slightly lose fitting vacuum lines is to take a small piece of mechanics wire and make a few wraps around the connection and twist it tight. Easier to remove if needed and can get it tighter.

 

if you going to need this major mess napa sell it

 

I use the zip ties ... bc I did not know about the mechanics wire - good tip!

 

what I have done in the past to patch vacuum lines is take shrink tubing for wiring, and just run a length over the vacuum line, it protects against cracks leaking, and its a cheap solution.

just put the shrink tube over, heat a little and it conforms nicely.

now what I really like to do and what I think is the best option is to replace all the plastic vacuum tubes and hoses with brass tube, they sell it in bulk at pepboys